Think Tank on Elder Health to address the “grey wave”

TORONTO, Nov. 18, 2008 – Like much of the rest of Canada, Ontario is slowly turning grey.As the number of people turning 65 continues to increase, the Elder Health Coalition (EHC) is holding a meeting in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to address some of the health challenges today’s and tomorrow’s seniors can expect to face.

On Nov. 19, senior and health-care organizations and government policy makers will join in a day long think tank. More than 70 participants will share success stories about Ontario’s Aging at Home strategy, explore how gaps in services can be overcome and ways of supporting and continuing expansion of the strategy. There will also be special sessions on how poverty and mental health affect seniors.

“There’s no doubt seniors need more support and if they have the support they need, they can continue to contribute to their communities and improve the quality of their lives,” says Gerda Kaegi, co-chair of the EHC and a member of Canadian Pensioners Concerned.

“We’re pleased the government launched an Aging at Home strategy. The reality is that many people across the province, especially in rural communities still have few options available to them in terms of aging in place. We’re working with government to find solutions to these challenges,” says Doris Grinspun, co-chair of the EHC and executive director of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO). “More emphasis and dollars must go to expand home care services and supportive housing across the province.”

The Elder Health Coalition represents 40provincial umbrella organizations whose aim is to help create and shape healthy public policy for older persons.

RNAO is the professional association representing registered nurses wherever they practise in Ontario. Since 1925, RNAO has lobbied for healthy public policy, promoted excellence in nursing practice, increased nurses’ contribution to shaping the health-care system, and influenced decisions that affect nurses and the public they serve.